Just as you would remove the skin from a zucchini or the rind from a melon, you may instinctively remove the skin from a cucumber. However, cucumber skin contains pepsin, a molecule that aids digestion. This is why it is recommended to keep the skin on when eating (by rinsing the vegetable before use to remove dirt and any pesticides). Otherwise, if you don’t like the texture of the skin in your mouth, rather than getting rid of it, use it wisely and enjoy its benefits.
Cucumber skin aids digestion
With its high fiber content, cucumber skin directly impacts intestinal transit. As a reminder, the more dietary fiber you consume, the better you digest meals. Not to mention that cucumber skin is almost more nutritious than cucumber flesh. The reason? The latter is primarily loaded with water, up to 97%*. Cucumber skin, on the other hand, contains fiber and antioxidants, such as flavonoids, which are ideal for fighting free radicals (responsible for premature skin aging). Of course, it also contains vitamins, including vitamin C to reduce fatigue and K for better blood clotting. Cucumber skin is therefore perfect for eliminating, preventing aging and maintaining a good metabolism.
Cucumber skin infused water: the detox and anti-waste drink
If you have any leftover cucumber skin that you peeled, infuse it. For a change from lemon-infused water (a detox drink that is often recommended), dip slices of cucumber skin in your carafe of water. Leave it overnight in the refrigerator to allow the cucumber skin to infuse well, and drink! The cucumber skin will have lightly flavored the water without changing its taste too much, which makes this drink perfect if you are not particularly fond of highly flavored waters (like lemon water for example). If you want to add some flavors, add a lemon zest with the rest of the lemon that is hanging around in the refrigerator, and a few mint leaves. The combination of the acidity of the lemon with the freshness of the cucumber and mint will be perfect!
*Ciqual
